Traveling by air is not always as seamless as we hope. You might find that navigating airports and airplane experiences can also feel bumpy, much like encountering turbulence mid-flight. There are several obstacles to beat, from long sitting hours to the discomfort of jet lag and dehydration due to air recirculation.
Despite the challenges, you’ll have an exciting journey by following these simple but effective travel tips:
Get a Seat Upgrade
What if an adventure could begin the moment you stepped on the plane? According to Business Class Experts, airline standards for business class include seats that offer around 15 - 20 inches more legroom. These 'nicer' seats make a huge difference in comfort over cramped economy seats. You'll have ample space to stretch your legs for a comfortable siesta. Below are some easy to a apply tips to upgrade the way you fly:
Check the Flight Load
Whether you're a same-day booker or one who has their itinerary planned to the dot, the key to securing extra legroom, superior service, and complimentary beverages lies in your strategy. Before you click “purchase”, first examine the availability of first-class and business-class seats and the number of passengers booked. Fewer passengers and less flight load significantly boost the chances of securing those coveted upgrades within short notice. According to Tiktoker and airline attendant Cierra Mist, who also shared that if you want to get a free upgrade, you should book seats in the back of the plane — that is the first place flight attendants look to move people first.
Give Up Your Seats
For those who have flexibility there's a little-known secret. Airlines often show gratitude (cha-ching!) when passengers willingly give up their seats on overbooked or oversold flights, offering up to $1000 worth of incentives for your next flight's seating arrangements.
Consider Tracy Smith's case—a mother traveling with her family from Atlanta to South Bend, Indiana to attend the Georgia vs. Notre Dame college football game. Tracy had quite the stroke of luck, walking away with an impressive $4000 in Delta Airlines credit vouchers when no one else onboard was willing to relinquish their seats.
It started at $1,500, climbed to $2,000, and hit $2,200," Smith shared, reflecting on the increasing offers.
If you’re the type who can adjust plans on the fly, you can change seats at the desk during check-in or at online kiosks, which may prompt you to volunteer to give up your seat.
Avoid Peak Times For Flights
If you are willing to sacrifice a couple of hours of sleep for your comfort, consider fixing your travel time when there are lower demands, like 6 a.m. or 10 p.m. Besides the less rowdy airport halls and lower queues at these times, chances of easily upgrading are higher. Early bird gets the worm, the late bird does too!
Upgrade with Cash or Miles
If all else fails, you can still upgrade to first or business class by dipping into frequent flyer miles or credit card points earned from grocery runs and everyday spending. According to Experian it's best not to let those rewards sit indefinitely in your mileage programs because their value tends to shrink over time.
Use Noise-Canceling Headphones
In the world of air travel, where the symphony of sounds can be overwhelming, noise-canceling headphones come to the rescue. These noise blockers offer a peaceful escape and a welcome respite during air travel experiences. They work by effectively creating an opposite frequency signal, canceling out the sound of the rumble of engines, the chatter of fellow passengers, the occasional baby's cry, and even the subtle clinking of service trays before they reach a listener's ears.
For long-haul flights, the Sony WH-1000XM5 stands out with its lightweight design, featuring a supportive headband and ear cups that create a comfortable, pressure-free seal around your ears. Alternatively, for those who prefer a lighter travel option, the second-generation AirPods Pro easily fit into virtually any pocket and excel in noise cancellation.
Wear Compression Socks
Airplanes don’t have a dress code, but there is still something important for you to wear. Compression socks are designed to provide gradual, progressive pressure that facilitates blood flow. This explains why wearing compression socks is recommended for travelers. The socks keep your blood circulating effectively, combating the adverse effects of gravity, such as blood clots, bulging veins, and aging legs.
Away Travel's The Compression Sock are a great choice for urban adventurers. Made for weather and wear, the anti-odor technology and its quick dry nature , are perfect for business meetings or a trip up the mountain. Plus,it is a sleek just-below-the-knee fit all for $35.
Stay Hydrated and Healthy
Airplane cabins tend to have low humidity levels, which can lead to dehydration of the skin, throat, and nose dryness (so bring that moisturizer!). In fact, it is possible to lose up to 50 to 67 ounces of water during a 10-hour flight. That's why The Aerospace Medical Association advises drinking a cup of water for every hour spent in the air. To avoid paying an absurd amount of money at the airport, consider bringing a reusable water bottle to refill. For those who want their water to remain refreshingly cold until the very last sip, Hydroflask's 24 oz Wide Mouth with Straw Lid utilizes TempShield® double-wall vacuum insulation to ensure your beverage stays at the ideal temperature. Its convenient design also fits effortlessly into travel bags, making it the perfect companion for on-the-go hydration. If you want the same vacuum-sealed cold refreshment with fewer refills, the Hydroflask 64 oz Wide Mouth is the perfect option.
Easton Smiskey, a Minneapolis-based copywriter and brand consultant, draws inspiration from iconic brands like Nike and Apple. With a background in sports writing, she crafts compelling narratives for leisure, luxury, and lifestyle brands. Graduating in 2020, she launched her successful copywriting business two years ago and enjoys golf, EDM concerts, poetry, soccer, and looks forward to mastering the slopes this winter.
Cha Pornea is an accomplished illustrator with work appearing in a number of notable publications including NPR, Vox, Chicago Magazine, Kiplinger, Matador Network as well as big brands like Microsoft and WeWork.
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